In a bold move to strengthen Nigeria’s revenue generation and border enforcement, the Senate has directed the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to increase its 2025 revenue target from ₦6 trillion to ₦10 trillion. This directive comes amid growing concerns over rising smuggling activities, weak enforcement, and worsening insecurity at the nation’s borders.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs, Senator Isah Jibrin, issued the directive during the budget defense session with the NCS in Abuja. The Committee expressed dissatisfaction with current enforcement levels and flagged the suspension of the 4% Freight on Board (FOB) levy, which is legally mandated on imported goods.
According to the Committee, the Nigeria Customs Service revealed that the Ministry of Finance authorized the suspension of the 4% FOB charges—an action the Senate views as a possible breach of the law. In response, the Senate has summoned the Minister of Finance to appear on Thursday and provide clarifications on the controversial suspension and other enforcement lapses.
The Senate insists that maximizing customs revenue and curbing smuggling are critical to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security. The upcoming hearing will also involve key stakeholders as lawmakers seek to uphold legislative oversight, improve fiscal transparency, and optimize customs operations across the country.
